Coop porch & ladder addition

[debid]

I'm replacing my old bent branch "ramp" with a landing/launching platform. The plan is to mount it to the coop's 2x4 framing using heavy duty floating shelf brackets. Found a good deal on some cosmetically damaged ones, 12" heavy duty brackets for shelves up to 14". They should hold my 2x14 scrap wood piece just fine and be plenty strong enough.

The next decision is how to give them an easier way to get up there. I realize it's only 2' and they can manage without BUT I also see they do actually use the climbing portion of the old ramp so I don't really want to take that ability away. It's steep with rough bark and they flap while climbing up so it's more like a ladder than a ramp.

I have a downed Eastern red cedar with ample straight wood of the appropriate size, it is just begging to be made into a rustic ladder...

Crazy idea or I definitely should try that? Note, the ladder will be outdoors so cedar aroma is not a big worry. I find the look and the rot resistance appealing.

 

[Vtonero]

I'm replacing my old bent branch "ramp" with a landing/launching platform. The plan is to mount it to the coop's 2x4 framing using heavy duty floating shelf brackets. Found a good deal on some cosmetically damaged ones, 12" heavy duty brackets for shelves up to 14". They should hold my 2x14 scrap wood piece just fine and be plenty strong enough.

The next decision is how to give them an easier way to get up there. I realize it's only 2' and they can manage without BUT I also see they do actually use the climbing portion of the old ramp so I don't really want to take that ability away. It's steep with rough bark and they flap while climbing up so it's more like a ladder than a ramp.

I have a downed Eastern red cedar with ample straight wood of the appropriate size, it is just begging to be made into a rustic ladder...

Crazy idea or I definitely should try that? Note, the ladder will be outdoors so cedar aroma is not a big worry. I find the look and the rot resistance appealing.

I say go for it make the rustic ladder. Plus it will be something new in there and they will like the new climbing gear

 

[Ridgerunner]

I have a downed Eastern red cedar with ample straight wood of the appropriate size, it is just begging to be made into a rustic ladder...

Crazy idea or I definitely should try that? Note, the ladder will be outdoors so cedar aroma is not a big worry. I find the look and the rot resistance appealing.

Do they need it? As you said, they can get up there if they want to so they really do not NEED it. But it will not do any harm. It sure sounds like you want to, which in my opinion is reason enough for you to do it. And then post photos.